After years of effort by multiple industry trade associations, the state of Illinois just joined the coalition of states that have a premium cigar tax cap.
Continue reading Illinois Enacts Premium Cigar Tax CapCategory Archives: News/Features
New Limited-Edition Blend Honors American Heritage and America’s 250th Anniversary
Miami, FL — June 2026 — Casa Carrillo proudly announces the release of the 4th Annual Pledge of Allegiance, a bold and patriotic limited-edition cigar that continues the brand’s tribute to American freedom while commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Continue reading New Limited-Edition Blend Honors American Heritage and America’s 250th AnniversaryAaron Sigmond Announces New Book, CIGARS: A Culture
[NEW YORK, June 15, 2026]—CIGARS: A Culture, the forthcoming limited-edition volume by Aaron Sigmond—author of more than 20 books and one of the most respected voices in luxury-lifestyle and cigar journalism—serves as both a follow-up and an addendum to his widely acclaimed, multi-award-winning CIGARS: A Biography.
Published by Mad/Dash Press (M/DP) and presented by the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), the book will be available for pre-order beginning this summer ahead of its anticipated October 2026 release.
“A Biography took readers on a journey—chronicling the cigar across time, soil and sea—through the Caribbean Basin, the Americas and Europe, from tobacco growers and cigarmakers to merchants. A Culture continues that journey—beyond the fields, the curing barns, fermentation, tobacco warehouses, rolling and arrival on merchants’ shelves,” Sigmond says. “This new work explores cigars through the lens of arts, culture, media, events, accessories and epicurean pursuits—all the refined pleasures, pursuits and customs that orbit the cigar.”
The final version of CIGARS: A Biography was structured according to three distinct sections. There was, however, originally a fourth section, but as A Biography grew to 424 pages, that fourth section, though mostly written, was left undesigned, unedited and ultimately relegated to the figurative cutting-room floor, as the book would otherwise have been too long.
Sigmond, together with Mad/Dash Press creative director Liliana Guia, later returned to that omitted material to expand it into this all-new stand-alone, first limited-edition volume.
Taken together, CIGARS: A Culture combined with CIGARS: A Biography represent the complete realization of Sigmond’s original vision.
CIGARS: A Culture will be released in the U.S. and the Caribbean with a distinctive multiple-cover concept: four cover variants—each featuring a different cigar-and-pen pairing—while the interior content remains identical. Also, there are two international editions: Europe and the Middle East, which will be offered exclusively within those markets.
PREORDERS OPEN JUNE 15, 2026, EXCLUSIVELY AT SIGCULTURE.COM.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron “Sig” Sigmond is the author of PLAYBOY: The Book of Cigars (2009-10), The Impossible Collection of Cigars (2019), Arturo Fuente: Since 1912 (2022) and CIGARS: A Biography (2025). He was the founding editor of SMOKE magazine and The Cigar Report, as well as a contributor to Elite Traveler and the contributing cigar editor for Playboy magazine. Sigmond also served in various consulting capacities at General Cigar Co., Nat Sherman and Arturo Fuente.
ABOUT MAD/DASH PRESS
Co-founded in 2009 by creative director Liliana Guia and media executive Aaron Sigmond, MAD/DASH PRESS (M/DP) is an award-winning boutique luxury publisher and incubator of distinctive coffee-table books and connoisseur-focused titles, combining legacy-media content with contemporary print design.
PCA Announces New Initiative in Mexico
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced PCA Connect Mexico 2026, a new international market-development initiative taking place August 24–30, 2026, in partnership with Cigar Roller Mexico.
Continue reading PCA Announces New Initiative in Mexico
Crux Cigars Introduces the Marblehead Maduro in Two Sizes
Bold Maduro flavor, accessible pricing, and the signature Marblehead shape in two classic sizes
Crux Cigars is proud to announce the release of the Marblehead Maduro, an exciting new extension to the popular Marblehead lineup.
Like the original Marblehead, the Maduro features the line’s distinctive rounded marblehead cap, a unique finishing touch that gives the cigar its recognizable look and a comfortable feel from the first draw.
Continue reading Crux Cigars Introduces the Marblehead Maduro in Two SizesCasa Carrillo Deep Blue Limited Edition 2026 Now Shipping
Calm on the Surface. Endless Beneath. Limited to 2,500 Individually Numbered Boxes
Miami, FL — Casa Carrillo announces the shipment of the Deep Blue Limited Edition 2026 to select retailers nationwide, a cigar crafted to mirror the ocean itself—measured and serene at first encounter, with power and depth revealed over time.
Continue reading Casa Carrillo Deep Blue Limited Edition 2026 Now Shipping
Don Emmanuel Cigars Begins Shipping Sun & Moon Limited Edition, a Collaboration Between Don Emmanuel and Legendary Master Blender Eladio Díaz
A dual-blend concept inspired by the balance of opposing forces, now shipping to retailers nationwide.
MIAMI, FL — Following a successful debut at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, where the release generated strong interest from retailers and media alike, Don Emmanuel Cigars is now shipping its Sun & Moon Limited Edition to retailers nationwide.
Continue reading Don Emmanuel Cigars Begins Shipping Sun & Moon Limited Edition, a Collaboration Between Don Emmanuel and Legendary Master Blender Eladio Díaz
Crowned Heads Announces Exclusive UK Distribution Partnership With Bankers of Harrowgate
Crowned Heads, the highly-regarded premium cigar company renowned for its artisanal blends and commitment to quality, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Barkers of Harrogate for the United Kingdom market.
Continue reading Crowned Heads Announces Exclusive UK Distribution Partnership With Bankers of Harrowgate
Hooten Young Secures U.S. Design Patent for The Cartridge™, Featured in the Ma Deuce Cigar Selection
One of the world’s only patented cigar shapes, The Cartridge™ brings American heritage, premium tobacco, and unmistakable visual identity to the premium cigar market.
Jacksonville Beach, FL — May 7, 2026 — Hooten Young LLC is proud to announce the issuance of U.S. Design Patent No. D1,124,474 S, protecting the ornamental design of the company’s distinctive cigar shape known as The Cartridge™. The patented design is featured in the Ma Deuce Cigar Selection, a premium cigar created to honor American military strength, legacy, and sacrifice. The patent was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and recognizes a group of inventors associated with the design, including Azarias Mustafa Cordoba “Z” and Norman G. Hooten.
Continue reading Hooten Young Secures U.S. Design Patent for The Cartridge™, Featured in the Ma Deuce Cigar Selection
J.C. Newman Celebrates Victory Before the Supreme Court of Estonia
The Court held that Estonia’s €5,000 cigar registration fee was unconstitutional
Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Estonia struck down the Estonian Health Board’s excessive €5,000 annual fee to register each type of cigar. The Court ruled that the Estonian government’s one-size-fits-all approach to tobacco regulation was unconstitutional as applied to premium cigars. As the named plaintiff in the case, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. sued the Estonian Government on behalf its longtime importer, Sigari Maja.
HOOTEN YOUNG RELEASES CONSTITUTION HULL RESERVE.AN ULTRA-RARE AMERICAN WHISKEY COMMEMORATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE — and America’s oldest commissioned warship.
Only 250 Individually Numbered Bottles. Finished with Authentic Timber from the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides.”
Jacksonville, FL — May 8, 2026 — Hooten Young, America’s Favorite Pairing: Whiskey & Cigars, today announced the release of Constitution Hull Reserve, an ultra-rare American whiskey made to commemorate 250 years of American independence. With only 250 bottles ever produced, each individually numbered, this is one of the most historically significant and limited whiskey releases ever brought to market. Only 250 bottles exist. And for Norm Hooten of Hooten Young, every one of them carries more than whiskey.
Continue reading HOOTEN YOUNG RELEASES CONSTITUTION HULL RESERVE.AN ULTRA-RARE AMERICAN WHISKEY COMMEMORATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE — and America’s oldest commissioned warship.
The Premium Cigar Association Concludes a Successful PCA26 Trade Show in New Orleans; Announces Dates for PCA27 in Las Vegas
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) successfully concluded its annual trade show and convention, PCA26, held April 17–20, 2026, in New Orleans. Bringing together premium cigar retailers, manufacturers, distributors, media, and industry professionals from across the United States and around the world, PCA26 delivered four days of business, networking, education, and celebration in one of America’s most iconic host cities.
Continue reading The Premium Cigar Association Concludes a Successful PCA26 Trade Show in New Orleans; Announces Dates for PCA27 in Las Vegas
PCA Expands into Asia Through Strategic Partnership with Cigraal
Launch of PCA and Cigraal’s PCA Connect Asia | November 30 – December 6, 2026
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced a new strategic partnership with Cigraal, a leading premium cigar development and distribution company across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration marks a significant step in supporting the rapid growth, professionalization, and long-term development of the premium cigar category across key Asian markets, through advancing education and advocacy.
Continue reading PCA Expands into Asia Through Strategic Partnership with CigraalCasa Carrillo Introduces Ascend at PCA 2026
A New Regular Production Release in the Perez-Carrillo Series
Miami, FL — Casa Carrillo introduces Ascend, a new release that reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to refinement and its commitment to elevating the premium cigar experience.
Continue reading Casa Carrillo Introduces Ascend at PCA 2026Premium Cigar Association Honors Industry Leaders at 2026 Step Up Awards
During a ceremony held on the first night of the PCA26 Trade Show, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced the recipients of its 2026 Step Up Awards. Presented annually, these prestigious awards recognize individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the premium cigar industry.
Continue reading Premium Cigar Association Honors Industry Leaders at 2026 Step Up Awards
Release of the Wahoo
Lure Cigars is proud to announce the upcoming release of The Wahoo, a limited PCA 2026 exclusive created in appreciation of the retail partners and cigar enthusiasts who continue to support our brand. Following the second annual release of the lighter-bodied The Jolly Walleye, The Wahoo was crafted for smokers who enjoy richer, bolder cigars. Inspired by offshore fishing and the sleek, tapered body of the wahoo sportfish, the blend is presented in two elegant torpedo vitolas that mirror the fish’s distinctive shape.
Continue reading Release of the WahooJ.C, Newman Introduces Brick House Maduro
This new 5.5″ x 70 handmade cigar is packed full of flavor.
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is introducing Brick House The Commodore Maduro at the Premium Cigar Association trade show this weekend (April 18-20, 2026) in New Orleans. This bold new cigar is 5.5” x 70 and will be packed in both boxes of 25 and humidor bags of 5 cigars. The Commodore Maduro has a suggested retail price of $11.50 and will begin shipping in June.
MEERAPFEL will be presenting its Family Reserve Blends cigar portfolio and newly appointed USA Sales Team at the PCA Convention & Trade Show 2026 in New Orleans.
Switzerland, the 14th of April (for immediate release):
• MEERAPFEL is making its Family Reserve Blends cigar portfolio available to premium cigar retailers and aficionados in the United States of America.
Continue reading MEERAPFEL will be presenting its Family Reserve Blends cigar portfolio and newly appointed USA Sales Team at the PCA Convention & Trade Show 2026 in New Orleans.J.C. Newman Ships First 2026 Release of Tampa Smokers
This is the first release of these special cigars for 2026.
Today marks the first release of this year’s Tampa Smokers cigars.
A perfect companion for baseball season, Tampa Smokers cigars celebrate two of America’s historic traditions: baseball and cigars. At its peak, Tampa’s 200 cigar factories handcrafted more than 700 million cigars per year. In 1919, Tampa’s local baseball team was named the Tampa Smokers to celebrate its place in Cigar City.
Each day, a single master cigar roller hand rolls only 80 Tampa Smokers cigars per day in our El Reloj cigar factory. Crafted with an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Latin America, this cigar comes in two sizes: a 6″x 52 toro and a 7″ baseball bat.
Smoker Friendly “Donation Round Up” Campaign benefits Operation:Cigars For Warriors
Ocala, FL – Operation: Cigars For Warriors is proud to announce the
results of Smoker Friendly’s “Donation Round Up Campaign”, which is
conducted annually between Veterans’ Day and Giving Tuesday.
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. ShipsDiamond Crown Black Diamond
This is the first release of these special cigars for 2026.
This week, we will ship this year’s first release of Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars.
PLASENCIA CIGARS UNVEILS TRIUNFAL AT PCA 2026: A LIMITED-EDITION CELEBRATING UNITY, TRIUMPH, AND A HISTORIC GLOBAL MOMENT
(Miami, Florida) – April 4, 2026 – Plasencia Cigars, a world-renowned premium tobacco grower and maker of award-winning cigars with a tobacco tradition since 1865, will unveil TRIUNFAL at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans. This limited-edition release, limited to 5,000 individually numbered boxes worldwide, honors a historic international celebration that brings nations together through passion, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the beautiful game: fútbol.
PLASENCIA CIGARS: FIVE GENERATIONS, ONE PHILOSOPHY. AN EVOLVED BRAND IDENTITY GROWN FROM THE GROUND UP
(Miami, Florida) – April 3, 2026 – Plasencia Cigars, a family that has grown tobacco since 1865, today introduces an evolved brand identity. The updated identity more clearly reflects the values, philosophy, and agricultural heritage that have defined the Plasencia family for generations. It will be officially unveiled to the trade at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans.
Continue reading PLASENCIA CIGARS: FIVE GENERATIONS, ONE PHILOSOPHY. AN EVOLVED BRAND IDENTITY GROWN FROM THE GROUND UP
MIAMI CIGAR & CO. EXPANDS OUTCAST CIGARS LINE WITH NEW TIN FORMAT AT PCA 2026
MIAMI, FL – Miami Cigar & Co. introduces Outcast Tins, a new extension of the Outcast Cigars line, set to debut at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans.
Continue reading MIAMI CIGAR & CO. EXPANDS OUTCAST CIGARS LINE WITH NEW TIN FORMAT AT PCA 2026PCA Acquires The Cigar Academyto Set the Standard for Cigar Education
Washington, D.C. – April 1, 2026] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today announced the acquisition of The Cigar Academy (TCA) from Oliva Cigars, marking a significant step in advancing education, professionalization, and long-term development across the premium cigar industry.
Continue reading PCA Acquires The Cigar Academyto Set the Standard for Cigar Education
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